TIỂU LUẬN NGÔN NGỮ XÃ HỘI HỌC

HUE UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF OPEN EDUCATION
AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
--------o0o--------

SOCIOLINGUISTIC PROJECT
Topic 3: Dialectal differences between Vietnamese in
Hanoi and the Mekong delta

Lecturer:

PhD. Trần Thuần

Student:

Lê Đình Lực

Student’s code:

7052900484

Class:

Nghệ An 6


Nghệ An - 2023


1

I.

ABSTRACT
This sociolinguistic research paper aims to examine the dialectal differences

between Vietnamese spoken in Hanoi and its neighboring areas compared to the
Vietnamese spoken in the Mekong Delta region. By exploring the linguistic
variations in phonology, vocabulary, and syntax, the study seeks to understand
the dialectal evidence and the factors contributing to these differences. The
research will consider social, geographical, historical, and cultural factors that
shape these dialectal variations.
II.

INTRODUCTION
Background and significance of studying dialectal differences in

Vietnamese.
Studying dialectal differences in Vietnamese is of great importance due to the rich
linguistic diversity found within the Vietnamese language. Vietnam, a Southeast
Asian country, is home to numerous dialects and regional variations, each
reflecting the unique cultural and historical characteristics of specific regions.
Cultural Preservation: Dialects are an integral part of a region's cultural
identity. Investigating and documenting dialectal differences allows for the
preservation and understanding of local traditions, customs, and ways of life. It
helps safeguard cultural heritage and prevents the loss of linguistic diversity.
Linguistic

Research:

Analyzing

dialectal

variations

in

Vietnamese

contributes to the field of linguistics. It provides insights into language evolution,
contact-induced changes, and language acquisition processes. Researchers can
explore phonological, morphological, and syntactic differences among dialects,
enriching our understanding of linguistic structures and patterns.


2
Communication and Language Planning: Vietnamese is the official
language of Vietnam, and a standardized version known as "Vietnamese Quốc
ngữ" is widely used in education, media, and official settings. However, dialectal
variations pose challenges for communication and language planning initiatives.
By studying dialects, linguists can identify commonalities and differences,
facilitating

effective

communication

strategies

and

language

policy

implementation.
Socioeconomic

Implications:

Dialectal

differences

can

impact

socioeconomic development within Vietnam. Some regions have distinct dialects
that are unintelligible to speakers of other dialects. This linguistic barrier can
hinder economic activities, limit educational opportunities, and affect social
integration. Understanding these differences can help address language-based
inequalities and promote inclusive development.
Language Teaching and Learning: Knowledge of dialectal variations assists
in language teaching and learning processes. By understanding the differences,
language educators can design curriculum and instructional materials that
accommodate learners from different regions. It also helps learners become
aware of dialectal variations, enabling them to adapt their language use to
different contexts and communities.
Literature and Arts: Dialectal variations in Vietnamese enrich the realm of

literature, poetry, and artistic expression. Many dialects have their own unique
idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and linguistic features that contribute to the
cultural richness of Vietnamese literature and arts. Exploring these dialectal
nuances enhances the appreciation and understanding of Vietnamese literary
works.


3
In summary, studying dialectal differences in Vietnamese has cultural,
linguistic, socioeconomic, and educational implications. It helps preserve cultural
heritage, contributes to linguistic research, aids in communication and language
planning, addresses socioeconomic disparities, enhances language teaching and
learning, and enriches literature and arts.

OVERVIEW OF VIETNAMESE DIALECTS

III.

General characteristics of Vietnamese as a tonal language.
Vietnamese is a tonal language, meaning that the pitch or tone of a word
can change its meaning. Here are some general characteristics of Vietnamese as a
tonal language:
- Tonal System: Vietnamese has six tones, which are variations in pitch
contour. Each tone is represented by a diacritic mark above or below the vowel in
the written script (Vietnamese Quốc ngữ). The tones are essential for
distinguishing between words that have the same phonetic segments but differ in
meaning.
- Pitch Contour: The tones in Vietnamese are characterized by their pitch
contours, which can be rising, falling, high, low, or a combination of these. The
specific pitch contour of a tone can vary depending on its position within a word

and its neighboring sounds.
- Tone Sandhi: Vietnamese exhibits tone sandhi, which refers to changes in
tone that occur when words are combined in speech. The final tone of one word
may be influenced or modified by the initial tone of the following word. Tone
sandhi rules can be complex and vary among dialects.


4
- Tone Pairs: Vietnamese has tone pairs, which are pairs of words that
differ only in their tones. Changing the tone of a word in a tone pair can change
the meaning entirely. For example, "ma" with a low tone means "ghost," while
"ma" with a high-rising tone means "mother."
- Tone Stability: Vietnamese tones are relatively stable and maintain their
distinctive features, even in connected speech. Unlike some tonal languages
where tones may undergo significant changes or be affected by surrounding
sounds, Vietnamese tones are generally preserved.
- Contextual Effects: The meaning of a word in Vietnamese can also be
influenced by the context in which it is used. Sometimes, a word's tone may be
modified or influenced by neighboring tones, phonetic factors, or grammatical
structures.
- Importance of Tones: Tones play a crucial role in distinguishing lexical and
grammatical meanings in Vietnamese. They convey important semantic and
grammatical information, such as indicating questions, negation, plurals, verb
tenses, and more.
Mastering the tones is essential for achieving accurate pronunciation and
comprehension in Vietnamese. The tonal nature of the language adds a distinct
linguistic feature and poses challenges for non-native learners, as subtle tone
variations can significantly alter the intended meaning of words.
IV. DIALECTAL DIFFERENCES IN HANOI AND NEIGHBORING

AREAS
Dialectal differences in Hanoi and its neighboring areas, known as the Red
River Delta region, can be observed in several linguistic aspects. Here are some
notable characteristics:


5
1. Tonal Variations
- Tone Split: As mentioned earlier, the tone system in Hanoi Vietnamese
has undergone a historical split, resulting in the merger of the former "dipping
tone" (ngã tone) and the former "high-rising tone" (ngang tone). This tonal
difference distinguishes the Hanoi dialect from other Southern dialects.
- Tone Register: Hanoi dialect tends to have a lower overall pitch register
compared to other Southern dialects, where the pitch register is higher. This
difference in pitch register can affect the realization of tones.
2. Vowel Sounds
- Centralization of Vowels: Hanoi dialect exhibits a tendency for
centralization of certain vowels. For example, the vowel /ɛ/ in Southern
Vietnamese may be pronounced closer to /a/ in the Hanoi dialect.
- Vowel Length: Hanoi Vietnamese generally preserves vowel length
distinctions. Long vowels are maintained, and there is less reduction or merging of
vowel length compared to some Southern dialects.
3. Consonant Changes
- Loss of Final /p/ and /t/: In Hanoi dialect, the final consonants /p/ and /t/
are often omitted or weakened, particularly in casual speech. This differs from
Southern Vietnamese, where these consonants are typically retained.
- Glottal Stop: Hanoi dialect has a tendency to replace final /k/ and /t/ with
a glottal stop (represented by the letter 'k'). This glottal stop can also occur before
vowel-initial words.
- Dental Fricatives: Hanoi Vietnamese tends to merge the dental fricatives /

ð/ and /θ/ with /z/ and /s/, respectively. For example, "đâu" (where) may be
pronounced as "zâu" and "thích" (like) may be pronounced as "sích."


6
4. Vocabulary Differences
- Regional Terminology: Hanoi and its neighboring areas may have specific
regional vocabulary and terminology for certain concepts, objects, or practices
that differ from other regions. These differences can reflect local traditions,
cultural practices, and historical influences.
- Sino-Vietnamese Vocabulary: Hanoi dialect retains a larger number of
Sino-Vietnamese words compared to other dialects. These words are borrowed
from Chinese and integrated into the Vietnamese lexicon. They often represent
formal or technical vocabulary and have roots in traditional Vietnamese culture
and Confucianism.
It's important to note that dialectal differences within Hanoi and its
neighboring areas can also exist, as language use and linguistic variations can vary
at the community and individual levels. Additionally, due to the influence of
media, education, and urbanization, there might be ongoing convergence
between Hanoi and other dialects in the region.
V.

DIALECTAL DIFFERENCES IN THE MEKONG DELTA
The Mekong Delta region in Vietnam exhibits dialectal differences

compared to other regions, including Hanoi and neighboring areas. Here are some
notable characteristics of dialectal differences in the Mekong Delta:
1. Tonal Variations
- Tonal Register: The Mekong Delta dialect generally has a higher pitch
register compared to the Hanoi dialect. The tones in this region may be realized

with a higher pitch or greater pitch variation.


7
- Tone Contours: Some specific tones may have distinct pitch contours or
variations in the Mekong Delta dialect, giving them a unique tonal flavor
compared to other dialects in Vietnam.
2. Vowel Sounds
- Vowel Quality: The Mekong Delta dialect may exhibit differences in the
quality of certain vowel sounds compared to other dialects. For example, the
vowel /a/ may have a more open or centralized pronunciation.
- Vowel Length: Vowel length distinctions in the Mekong Delta dialect may
differ from other dialects. Some vowel sounds may be pronounced with different
durations or show variations in lengthening or shortening.
3. Consonant Changes
- Retroflex Consonants: The Mekong Delta dialect often features retroflex
consonants, where the tip of the tongue curls back towards the roof of the
mouth. This can be observed in sounds such as /ɖ/ and /ʈ/.
- Loss of Final Consonants: Similar to other Southern dialects, the Mekong
Delta dialect may exhibit the loss or weakening of final consonants such as /p/
and /t/.
4. Vocabulary Differences
- Regional Terminology: The Mekong Delta dialect may have its own
specific regional terms and vocabulary that reflect local customs, geographical
features, and occupations related to the region's agricultural and aquatic
activities.
- Loanwords: As in other dialects, the Mekong Delta dialect may
incorporate loanwords from different sources, such as Chinese, French, and

8
English. The specific loanwords used in this region may vary depending on
historical influences and the extent of exposure to foreign cultures.
It's important to note that the dialectal differences in the Mekong Delta can
vary across different sub-regions and even among different provinces within the
Mekong Delta itself. Additionally, individual speakers may exhibit variations
within the dialect due to factors such as age, education level, and exposure to
other dialects or languages.
VI.

LANGUAGE ATTITUDES AND IDENTITY
Language maintenance and language shift are dynamic processes that can

occur in Hanoi and the Mekong Delta, affecting the use and vitality of different
language varieties. Here's an overview of language maintenance and language
shift in these regions:
1. Language Maintenance
Hanoi:
- Standard Language Status: Hanoi Vietnamese, as the capital and
administrative center, holds significant prestige and serves as the standard
language variety in education, media, government, and official settings. This
contributes to the maintenance and promotion of the Hanoi dialect.
- Cultural Preservation: Efforts are made to preserve and promote Hanoi's
cultural heritage, including its language. Cultural institutions, schools, and
community organizations play a role in fostering a sense of identity and pride in
the Hanoi dialect, contributing to its maintenance.
Mekong Delta:


9

- Regional Identity: The Mekong Delta region has its own distinct cultural
identity, and language plays a role in expressing this identity. Local communities
often value and maintain their dialect as a symbol of regional pride and solidarity.
- Inter-generational Transmission: In many rural areas of the Mekong
Delta, traditional language use and dialectal variations are still prevalent within
families and local communities. Children learn and acquire the local dialect from
their parents and older generations, contributing to language maintenance.
2. Language Shift
Hanoi:
- Urbanization and Migration: Hanoi's rapid urbanization and the influx of
migrants from various regions can lead to language shift. As people from different
areas settle in Hanoi, there may be a gradual shift towards the use of more
standardized Vietnamese, resulting in the dilution of distinct regional dialectal
features.
- Education and Media Influence: The emphasis on standard Vietnamese in
education and media can contribute to language shift, as individuals may
prioritize learning and using the standard language to access educational and
professional opportunities.
Mekong Delta:
- Urbanization and Globalization: Similar to Hanoi, urbanization and
globalization in the Mekong Delta can lead to language shift. Exposure to media,
educational institutions, and urban environments may increase the use of
standard Vietnamese and reduce the prominence of local dialects.
- Economic Factors: Economic opportunities, including migration to urban
areas or regions outside the Mekong Delta, may also contribute to language shift


10
as individuals adapt to new linguistic environments and the demands of the job
market.

It's important to note that the extent of language shift and maintenance
can vary within different communities, social groups, and generations. Factors
such as age, education, socioeconomic status, and exposure to other languages
and cultures influence the choices individuals make in language use and the
degree to which language maintenance or shift occurs.
VII.

LINGUISTIC VARIATION IN THE CONTEXT OF

GLOBALIZATION
Education and the promotion of standardized Vietnamese have significant
impacts on dialectal variation. Here are some key effects:
- Homogenization of Language: Education systems often prioritize the
teaching and use of standardized Vietnamese, which is based on the Hanoi
dialect. This emphasis on the standard language can lead to a homogenization of
language across different regions, as students are exposed to and encouraged to
use the standard variety in schools and educational settings. As a result, dialectal
features may be suppressed or minimized.
- Language Convergence: Education plays a crucial role in facilitating
language convergence, particularly among younger generations. As students from
different dialectal backgrounds come together in schools, they are exposed to the
standardized form of Vietnamese, which becomes a common linguistic reference
point. This exposure can lead to the convergence of linguistic features, resulting in
a reduction of dialectal variation among the younger generation.
- Linguistic Accommodation: Education and exposure to standardized
Vietnamese often require individuals to accommodate their language use to fit


11
the standard norms. This can involve adjusting pronunciation, vocabulary, and

grammar to align with the standard variety. As a result, speakers may consciously
or unconsciously suppress or modify dialectal features to adhere to the
standardized form.
- Social Prestige and Stigmatization: Standard Vietnamese, being
associated with education, urbanization, and socio-economic advancement,
carries social prestige. Dialectal variations, on the other hand, may be stigmatized
or seen as markers of rural or less educated backgrounds. This social perception
can influence individuals to minimize their use of dialectal features in order to
gain social acceptance or conform to societal expectations.
- Erosion of Dialectal Features: The promotion of standardized Vietnamese
through education and media can lead to the erosion of dialectal features over
time. As the use of the standard language becomes more prevalent, particularly
among younger generations, dialectal features may be gradually lost or become
limited to specific contexts or older generations.
However, it's important to note that despite the impact of education and
standardized Vietnamese, dialectal variations can still persist, particularly in
informal contexts, rural areas, and among older generations. Additionally,
language shift and maintenance are complex processes influenced by various
social, cultural, and historical factors, and the extent of dialectal variation can
vary between regions and communities.
VIII.

CONCLUSION

Summary of dialectal differences between Hanoi, its neighboring areas, and
the Mekong Delta.


12
Analysis of the sociolinguistic factors contributing to these dialectal

variations Implications for language policy, education, and cultural preservation
efforts.
By examining the dialectal differences between Vietnamese spoken in
Hanoi and its neighboring areas compared to the Vietnamese spoken in the
Mekong Delta, this research paper sheds light on the linguistic variations within
Vietnam. It explores the sociolinguistic factors that shape these dialectal
differences, including geographical, historical, and cultural influences. The paper
contributes to our understanding of Vietnamese dialects and their significance in
language identity and preservation in the context of globalization.